The varsity football team delivered a huge 28-10 win over the Springboro Panthers on Friday night, setting themselves up for a chance to win the Greater Western Ohio Conference (GWOC) title next week. The victory improves the Elks' record to 6-3 overall and 5-1 in GWOC play. Their next challenge will be hosting the Wayne Warriors on Senior Night, with a shot to at least tie Fairmont for the conference championship.

The game didn't start smoothly for Centerville. The Elks were flagged for five 15-yard penalties in the first quarter, which slowed their momentum. Springboro took advantage, scoring on a double pass for a 35-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to go up 7-0. Centerville quickly responded with an 80-yard drive, capped off by Shane Cole’s 22-yard touchdown run, tying the score at 7-7 with just under four minutes left in the half. Neither team managed to score again before halftime.

After the break, the Elks made adjustments and dominated the second half. Their defense clamped down on Springboro, while the offense began to find its rhythm. With 7:10 left in the third quarter, Cole connected with Ryan Swanson on a 26-yard tunnel screen pass for a touchdown, giving Centerville a 14-7 lead.

A bizarre series of events followed, as Springboro was forced to punt deep in their own territory. After two penalties, they punted from their own end zone, and although Centerville muffed the punt, a whistle was blown as the ball was loose. Despite the confusion, Springboro recovered the ball, and the officials ruled that the play stood, giving the Panthers possession. Springboro managed to kick a field goal, cutting the Elks' lead to 14-10 with 2:38 left in the third quarter.

From there, the Elks took control. Parker Johnson scored two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns, one from 8 yards out and another from 2 yards, sealing the 28-10 win. Cole led the way with 82 yards passing, including a touchdown, and 131 yards rushing with another score. Johnson added 86 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Swanson caught six passes for 66 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Jacob Taylor led with nine tackles, Andrew Erwin had six, and Mason Keely caused disruption all night.

The Elks will wrap up their regular season this Friday, October 25, with a home game against Wayne. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Tickets are available online for $10 for adults and $9 for students and senior citizens at Click Here. The game will also be streamed live for $10 at Click Here